Water should not be consumed without first flushing the tap and boiling the water. (Scroll down for detailed instructions.)

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According to a PWSA statement, the boil advisory is a precautionary measure based on the results of disinfection and chlorine testing of water near the Highland Park filtration plant.

"A few tests showed low levels of free chlorine in the treated drinking water," the water authority said. "PWSA is coordinating with the Pennsylvania Department of Environment to ensure that all regulatory requirements for disinfection are met immediately.

Below is a list of areas included in the boil water advisory. Most are in the central and eastern sections of the city.

Until further notice, customers who live in those neighborhoods should take the following steps before using tap water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth or food preparation.

1) Flush your water tap by running water for 1 minute or longer, then

2) Boil water for 1 minute, and let it cool before consumption

Flushing water brings in fresh water from the main, and boiling fresh water kills any bacteria and other organisms that can enter the water.

You can also use bottled water.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE PWSA:

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT FLUSHING AND BOILING IT FIRST. (It is OK to shower or use water externally)

Flush your tap by running the water for a minimum of 1 minute to bring in fresh water from the main.

Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for 1 minute, and let it cool before using; or use bottled water.

Are there health issues associated with the water? There could be an increase in digestive upset, stomach pain, or experiencing fatigue, nausea and diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal cramps, weight loss, excessive gas, headaches and abdominal pain.

Customers with specific health concerns should contact their doctor.

Mayor Bill Peduto urged residents to keep calm, saying that no contaminants have been found.

"We know with cold weather, the bacteria usually doesn’t incubate," he said. "And if it does, it takes a week to 10 days."

However, Peduto did advise precaution for the time being.

“It will only be a few days before the chlorine level out of that one area is back to where it should be," he said.